Chelsea get green light to complete record defender signing

Jeremy Jacquet has informed Stade Rennais that he wants to join Chelsea this month, according to a report.

The France youth international has become a top target for the Blues, who have decided to bring forward the signing of a centre-back. Initially scheduled for the summer, the downturn in form that ultimately culminated in Enzo Maresca’s departure changed Chelsea’s plans.

Jacquet has been on their radar since at least last summer. In December, reports first emerged out of France that Chelsea were actively working on a deal for the 20-year-old, so talks already started before Maresca quit.

New head coach Liam Rosenior has approved of the pursuit of Jacquet, having seen his stunning development first-hand while in charge of Ligue 1 rivals Strasbourg.

Negotiations between Chelsea and Rennes are currently in full swing. The Bretons did not plan on selling Jacquet mid-season and have accordingly slapped a sizeable price tag on his head.

Jacquet wants Chelsea

Rennes are reportedly hoping to make the young defender their new club-record sale. They are demanding a fee surpassing the €60-€64 million Man City paid for Jeremy Doku in 2023, and this stance has already priced Bayern Munich out of a move.

Chelsea, however, appear more determined than the Bavarians, although it remains to be seen if they are truly willing to go that high. Fortunately, their efforts have now been boosted by Jacquet himself.

According to Ben Jacobs, the wonderkid has informed Stade Rennais that he wants to make the move. Chelsea have clearly succeeded in convincing him that he will get regular minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Jacquet is viewed as a first-team-ready starter by the Blues. They have been very particular about choosing their targets as they are not just looking for a short-term fix.

They want to sign a player this month who can eventually complement Levi Colwill once he returns from his ACL injury. Jacquet, it is believed, can marshal their backline for years to come.

Football transfer news headlines today

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Kobbie Mainoo latest as Chelsea launch €50m bid

Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Guehi signing, Glasner to Man Utd, Vini Jr contract

Dro Fernandez: Barca rocked as wonderkid goes from ‘next Iniesta’ to Flick’s biggest disappointment

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store